18650 Button Top Battery: Recommend Top 10 Options

By Gerald, Updated on September 20, 2024

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18650 button top batteries are famous for their stability and applicability in different gadgets. They are handy in flashlights, portable devices, or other customized electronics; their performance cannot be paralleled.

Here, you will learn why 18650 button-top batteries are special and which ones are worthy of buying.

Part 1. What is an 18650 button top battery?

An 18650 button-top battery design makes fitting into devices requiring a protruding contact point easier. The dimensions are generally 18mm in diameter and 65mm in length, where the “18650” name comes from.

Key Features:

High Capacity: Usually ranging from 2000mAh to over 3500mAh.
Rechargeable: Designed for multiple charging cycles.
Long Shelf Life: Retains charge well when not in use.
Safety Features: Often includes protection circuits to prevent overcharging.
Compatibility: Fits in a wide range of devices due to its raised terminal.

Part 2. Top 10 18650 button top batteries

1. Ufine 7.4 V 4400mAh 18650 Battery Pack

Specifications:

Capacity: 4400mAh
Nominal Voltage: 7.4V
Configuration: 2S2P
Max Charge Current: 4400mA
Operating Temp: -20°C to 60°C

Pros:

High capacity ensures long-lasting performance
Reliable protection against overcharges and short-circuits
Supports a wide temperature range, perfect for varied environments
Ideal for both personal and industrial applications
Long cycle life enhances cost-effectiveness

Cons:

Slightly heavier at 200g
100 cycles might limit longevity for heavy-duty applications

2. Samsung INR18650-30Q Battery

Specifications:

Capacity: 3000mAh
Nominal Voltage: 3.6V
Max Discharge: 15A
Rechargeable: Yes
Dimensions: 18.42mm x 66.64mm

Pros:

Strong 3000mAh capacity for long-lasting use
15A continuous discharge supports high-drain devices
Reliable button-top design for flashlights and doorbells
Rechargeable for eco-friendly use
Global shipping available

Cons:

Slightly longer than standard 18650 cells
Not suited for e-cigarettes or vapes

3. LG MJ1 18650 Battery

Specifications:

Capacity: 3500mAh
Nominal Voltage: 3.64V
Max Discharge Current: 5A
Rechargeable: Yes (400+ cycles)
Protection Circuit: Yes

Pros:

High capacity ensures longer runtimes
Built-in protection for safety in high-drain devices
Ideal for flashlights and household electronics
Rechargeable with a long shelf life
The top design fits well on multiple devices

Cons:

Max discharge limited to 5A
It is slightly more expensive for high-capacity

4. Sony VTC6 Battery

Specifications:

Capacity: 3000mAh
Nominal Voltage: 3.6V
Max Discharge Current: 15A
Rechargeable: Yes
Dimensions: 18.5mm x 67.1mm

Pros:

High 15A discharge rating for demanding devices
Excellent balance between capacity and power output
Durable design for high-drain applications
Ideal for power-hungry flashlights and battery packs
Reliable button top ensures compatibility with various devices

Cons:

Slightly longer than standard 18650 cells
Unprotected, requiring careful handling

5. Panasonic NCR18650B Battery

Specifications:

Capacity: 3350mAh
Nominal Voltage: 3.6V
Max Discharge Current: 5A (PCB limit)
Protection Circuit: Yes, PCB
Dimensions: 18.9mm x 69.41mm

Pros:

High capacity, great for long runtimes
Built-in protection circuit prevents overcharging and short-circuiting
Reliable for power-hungry devices with moderate discharge needs
Rechargeable with a long lifespan
Ideal for flashlights, medical equipment, and other high-drain electronics

Cons:

Slightly larger than standard 18650 cells
Lower discharge current compared to high-drain models

6. Sanyo NCR18650GA Battery

Specifications:

Capacity: 3500mAh
Nominal Voltage: 3.6V
Discharge End Voltage: 2.5V
Max continuous discharge: 10A
Dimensions: 66.5mm x 18.5mm

Pros:

High capacity offers extended runtime
Supports 10A continuous discharge, suitable for high-drain devices
Rechargeable and long-lasting, ideal for power-demanding electronics
The button top makes it compatible with many devices
Compact and lightweight, enhancing portability

Cons:

Slightly larger than standard 18650 cells
Not as high-drain as other models

7. Efest IMR18650 Battery

Specifications:

Capacity: 3500mAh
Nominal Voltage: 3.7V
Max continuous discharge: 20A
Charging voltage: 4.2V
Dimensions: 18.6mm (D) x 65.2mm (L)

Pros:

Perfect for high-drain devices
Large 3500mAh capacity for longer runtimes
The button top ensures compatibility with various devices
Rechargeable and durable with multiple cycles

Cons:

It may not fit in devices requiring flat-top batteries
Heavier than lower-capacity alternatives

8. Orbtronic 18650 Battery

Specifications:

Capacity: 3400mAh
Voltage: 3.7V
Type: Li-Ion
Dimensions: 18mm x 65mm
Weight: 1.6 ounces

Pros:

High capacity of 3400mAh for extended runtimes
Protected circuit for enhanced safety against overcharge/discharge
Button top design ensures compatibility with various devices
Lightweight and portable

Cons:

Larger size might not fit all battery compartments
Slightly higher price compared to unprotected cells

9. Basen 18650 Battery

Specifications:

Capacity: 3100mAh
Nominal Voltage: 3.7V
Max continuous discharge: 40A
Type: Li-Ion
Dimensions: Standard 18650 size

Pros:

The high discharge rate of 40A for demanding applications
3100mAh capacity provides substantial runtime
The flat top design allows for versatile use in various devices
Li-Ion chemistry ensures stable and reliable performance

Cons:

Requires a compatible adapter for use with devices designed for flat-top batteries
Higher discharge rates may reduce the overall battery lifespan

10. Epoch 18650 2600mAh 8A

Specifications:

Capacity: 2600mAh
Continuous Discharge Rating: 8A
Nominal voltage: 3.7V
Maximum voltage: 4.2V
Dimensions: 18.35mm x 70.05mm

Pros:

Protected with overcharge and over-discharge safety features
Ideal for moderate-drain devices due to 8A discharge rate
Rechargeable for repeated use
Compatible with devices requiring button-top batteries
Compact design with reliable Epoch build quality

Cons:

Longer than standard 18650 batteries (70mm) may not fit all devices
Lower capacity compared to higher-end models (2600mAh)

Part 3. How to choose the right 18650 button top battery?

Here are some tips on choosing the right 18650 button top battery:

Capacity: You should always choose a battery according to the requirements for usage. On the other hand, the high-capacity battery has a long power backup, but charging or discharging is faster for energy-intensive products.
Voltage consistency: Keep battery voltage constant while discharging throughout its discharge cycle.
Brand reliability: You ideally should stick to well-seasoned companies such as Ufine, Panasonic, or Samsung.
Protection circuit: Select batteries with added safety measures to avoid overheating, short-circuiting, and overcharging.
Intended use: When choosing a battery to power a flashlight, look for the higher discharge rates.

Part 4. FAQs

What is the difference between flat top and button top 18650 batteries?

Flat-top batteries have a flat positive terminal. Button top batteries, with their raised terminal.
Will a flat top 18650 battery work in a flashlight?

If the flashlight’s design accommodates flat-top batteries, they will work.
What is the highest capacity of an 18650 flat-top battery?

The highest capacity typically is around 3600mAh.
What battery can I use instead of an 18650 flat-top battery?

If your device allows it, consider using 21700 batteries. Another alternative is the 26650 for applications.
What is better than an 18650 flat-top battery?

For those seeking more power, 21700 or 20700 cells offer higher capacities.